Fabrizio Romano shares more transfer news from Forest as Marinakis moves for 'clever' player

Nottingham Forest are set to sign Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old is primarily a centre-back who can also line out as a left-back if required. The Frenchman has been with Mainz since 2018 and is entering the final 12 months of his contract with the Bundesliga club.

Valued at a career-high £16.2m by Transfermarkt, Niakhate has made 135 appearances for Mainz, scoring nine times and becoming the club captain.

Romano took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to share more transfer news from the City Ground.

The transfer expert said that a ‘full agreement’ has now been reached between the two clubs, with a medical set to take place this week, adding in his famous ‘here we go’ phrase.

It seems as if Niakhate will become the fourth signing made by Evangelos Marinakis and Steve Cooper this summer ahead of the club’s Premier League return. Forest have already brought in Taiwo Awoniyi, Dean Henderson and Giulian Biancone at a cost of just over £27m.

Labelled a ‘clever’ player by Mainz manager Bo Svensson, the 26-year-old would bolster the centre-back ranks at the City Ground and would bring plenty of top-flight experience following his stint with Mainz.

Forest also appear to be getting a bargain due to Niakhate’s contract situation, with reports elsewhere claiming that a deal will cost up to £13m, significantly less than his current Transfermarkt valuation.

Source